Robert M. "Bob" Butts

Dear Jan,
So many memories from the Station.Im sending you a big hug.
Bob was a very special person.
Bea Stoyla San Diego CA.

My deepest sympathy is extended to the family of Bob Butts. As Administrative Assistant, I worked closely with Bob in purchasing and setting up equipment in the Chromotography room of the newly constructed FS&T building. We also had other contacts before I retired.
He was a very good scientist in his field, a good friend and I enjoyed working with him very much.

Dear Jan, Renee and Thom

There are very few things that would cause me to miss Bob’s funeral but Janelle Bloss’s wedding is one of them. It is a crisp clear New England day in the Green Mountains of Vermont, the kind that makes an apple farmer feel good. It didn’t freeze last night, the work will be comfortable today and the air fragrant with spring. It will be a beautiful wedding touched with sadness and warmed with memory.

Bob and I built many things together from houses to machines. We argued and brainstormed and prototyped and tested thousands of ideas to improve the study of flavor. In spite of his natural irritation with dumb ideas he put up with scores of them and worked on them even when he knew they were stupid and we made real contributions. We did things that built industries and changed the way flavor is studied everywhere and we made a little extra money on the side.

Through all of this we argued and we argued but this was essential to the success of what we did. One of my fondest memories was visiting Bob while he was putting the finishing touches on an addition to the house. He had just installed phone jacks next to every chair in the addition and was enormously proud of his work. When I asked “why do you need more that one phone in one room” he replied “If you have to get up to answer the phone you do not understand the technology.” I think of this quote every time I see three people texting each other in the same room or walking down the street together talking to other people on their cells.

We didn’t just talk about technology. Bob was interested in almost everything except sports and on that score we always agreed. “Sports are things you do not things you talk or read about.” - another one of Bob’s jewels. My favorite memory resulted from a random question he asked in the lab “What is Art.” to which I replied “... anything with two 75 watt flood lights shining on it.” Later that summer he had a party for the lab in his backyard. In the beautifully manicured backyard he had perched random junk, large things like a busted-up folding chair or an old water pump, on clean white plaster buckets and light them with flood lights. We all had a great laugh.

Later that night, as we shared a drink setting on the back porch looking at the scene on the back lawn we agreed that what started as humor my actually be profound - the yard looked as artistic as the garden at MOMA or maybe it was the gin.

I will always remember Robert Butts as many more who didn’t even know him will remember what he left us.

Sincerely, Terry Acree - May 22, 2010

Dear Jan, Renee, and Tom, I'm so sorry to hear about Bob's death. It's been a long time since Carter Road. You're in my thoughts. All my best,
Jeff Oaks

Time passes and people disappear from one's mind. Sorry to hear about his passing, enjoyed talking to him while was at station bob landschoot

Jan, Tom & Renee - it's been many years since our paths crossed, but I fondly remember the old days growing up on Carter Road and babysitting for the Butts kids. Our prayers are with you all.

Jan and family, so sorry to hear about Bob. I so enjoyed working with him in Food Science. Our discussions were a real bright spot in my day. With deep regret at his passing,

Jan and family, we were so sorry to hear about Bob, please know you are in our prayers.
Kent and Nihla Harrell, Sun City, Az.

Dear Jan, Renee & Tommy
My condolence to you and your families. It's been years since we were neighbors on Carter Road. Bob will be missed by a lot of people.
Your friend, Marilyn Foster (Oaks) in Dallas.

Dear Renee, Tom, and family -
Extending our sympathy for the loss of your Dad. Please know you are all in our thoughs and prayers during this difficult time.
Sincerely,
Lyndsey and Chris Adams & family

Dear Jan & Family, Sam & I extend our condolences to all of you. Bob was a super guy and I enjoyed knowing him for many years in the Food Science Department.
Most sincerely,
Sandy Braverman

Renee, Tom and family- We are so sorry for your loss. Your whole family is in our prayers, the Nobles